Private John Smith was an English recipient of the Victoria Cross, the highest and most prestigious award for gallantry in the face of the enemy that can be awarded to British and

Commonwealth A commonwealth is a traditional English term for a political community founded for the common good. Historically, it has been synonymous with "republic". The noun "commonwealth", meaning "public welfare, general good or advantage", dates from the ...

forces. He was born in London about 1822 and enlisted in the

1st Madras European Fusiliers The 102nd Regiment of Foot (Royal Madras Fusiliers) was a regiment of the British Army raised by the Honourable East India Company in 1742. It transferred to the command of the British Army in 1862. Under the Childers Reforms it amalgamated with t ...

in 1841. He was awarded the Victoria Cross for action on 16 November 1857 at the

Siege of Lucknow The siege of Lucknow was the prolonged defence of the British Residency within the city of Lucknow from rebel sepoys (Indian soldiers in the British East India Company's Army) during the Indian Rebellion of 1857. After two successive relief att ...

. His citation read: Smith was discharged on pension in 1861 and died on 6 May 1866 at Tanjore, India.

References

* Chris Kempton ''Valour and Gallantry: H.E.I.C.& Indian Army Victoria Crosses & George Crosses 1856- 1946'' 1820s births 1866 deaths British recipients of the Victoria Cross British East India Company Army soldiers Indian Rebellion of 1857 recipients of the Victoria Cross Military personnel from London 19th-century English people {{UK-mil-bio-stub